Commentary

1. The dignity of a person must be recognized in every human being from conception to natural death. This fundamental principle expresses a great “yes” to human life and must be at the center of ethical reflection on biomedical research, which has an ever greater importance in today’s world. The Church’s Magisterium has frequently intervened to clarify and resolve moral questions in this area. The Instruction Donum vitae was particularly significant. And now, twenty years after its publication, it is appropriate to bring it up to date.

The teaching of Donum vitae remains completely valid, both with regard to the principles on which it is based and the moral evaluations which it expresses. However, new biomedical technologies which have been introduced in the critical area of human life and the family have given rise to further questions, in particular in the field of research on human embryos, the use of stem cells for therapeutic purposes, as well as in other areas of experimental medicine. These new questions require answers.

FRANCISCANS OF THE IMMACULATE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH A DAY WITH MARY

From an article by Charles Balic, OFM, written in 1966 to commemorate the seventh centenary of the birth of blessed John Duns Scotus

A disputed question…

Under the above heading, The Berwickshire News of Tuesday 12 April, 1966, printed a letter to the editor in which it was stated that we are still uncertain about the exact birthplace of the great British philosopher and theologian, John Duns Scotus… (more…)

Funny how the secularists can create the most intolerant of religions:

Environmentalists are Gaia?s priests, instructing us in her proper service and casting out those who refuse to genuflect. . . And having proclaimed the ultimate commandment ? carbon chastity ? they are preparing the supporting canonical legislation that will tell you how much you can travel, what kind of light you will read by, and at what temperature you may set your bedroom thermostat.

Just Monday, a British parliamentary committee proposed that every citizen be required to carry a carbon card that must be presented, under penalty of law, when buying gasoline, taking an airplane, or using electricity. The card contains your yearly carbon ration to be drawn down with every purchase, every trip, every swipe.

Yep, it’s just as the title says. A very bored and unoriginal Australian “artist” yet again demonstrates why Christianity truly is the religion of peace. Apparently her goal was NOT to offend.

“Absolutely not, no, no. I am not interested in being offensive. I am interested in having a discussion and asking questions about how we think about our world and what we accept and what we don’t accept,”

Of course, she is competing with the likes of another daring “artist” who has a statue of Our Lady wearing a burqa. They both vie for the illustrious Blake Prize in religious art. Oh gee..well that’s different.

I wonder if any of these folks care to test the theory that Islam is the religion of peace by morphing Muhammad?

Canberra, Aug. 23, 2007 (CWNews.com) – Bishop Pat Power, an auxiliary of the Canberra, Australia diocese, has indicated his support for an end to mandatory clerical celibacy, and suggested a new discussion of the possibility of ordaining women.

In a public response to a campaign by Australian Catholic activists to end the celibacy discipline, Bishop Power said that while Vatican leaders are unwilling to reconsider the issue, among “ordinary Catholics” he has found both support and “a sense of urgency” about the need for change.

Shamelessly pulled entirely from the blog of Dr. Edward Peters, JD, JCD. I really had no idea there was such a practice as “joint” celebration of Penance.

The practice of spouses jointly celebrating the sacrament of confession recently garnered support from Catholic News Service veteran columnist Fr. John Deitzen. Provided that couples “approve and consider it helpful for their marriage”, Deitzen holds that spouses may confess their sins in each other’s presence and receive absolution. He notes only that each spouse would be bound by the seal of confession in regard to what he or she learned about the other.

Dr. Peters is a canon lawyer and is always great reading. It also helps to have a canon lawyer around as a resource 😉 His books on Annulments and Excommunication are spectacular!

I saw this story yesterday and couldn’t help but feel for all those college kids who won’t have affordable birth control options when they head back to school this year. Then I saw this story today and saw a silver lining. My heart really does go out to those kids with their irresistible urges sipping Vodka Redbulls and having their right to low-cost subsidized (by our tax dollars) birth control taken away. I am equally gladdened, however, to know that some Pharmaceutical companies are making big profits off the whole thing. Me thinks those kids could have a good shot at the legal lottery. I mean, they’ve been wronged and they’re suffering. Where’s the ACLU????

London, Aug 23, 2007 / 10:49 am (CNA).- The openly homosexual Episcopal bishop, Bishop V. Gene Robinson, has planned to enter into a civil partnership with his long-term partner just weeks before next year’s Lambeth Conference, reports the Church of England Newspaper.

Seems they all have a “call from God” they’re following.

He told the interviewer about his love for the Anglican Communion, but said he would never step down, as it would go against God’s call for his life.

He said his election was the result of his community’s vote and that he is not sure that they necessarily did the right thing. “That community tried its very best to discern the will of God, and we may be wrong, I am ready to admit to you that I cannot be sure that this is the right thing or the right time or the right way.??

He also said he believes Episcopal Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria “is following his call from God as best as he can?? in leading the campaign against gay bishops.

??I just wish he could believe I am following my call from God as best I can,” Robinson reportedly said.

I wonder which one’s right, or maybe they’re both right? God doth have a sense of humor?

On this Feast of Our Lady and after being operational for four months or so, Fr. Angelo Geiger gives the surprise announcement of our grand opening! That’s right, up to now we have not been offically open. It has all been for practice. He mentions the many new shows, our new three column web format that includes a new menu system in the left column. The dedication of the site to St. Clare, Patroness of TV and in honor of Patrick Wroe, son of David Wroe who’s help has been indispensable for Air Maria. He thanks all the many people who have supported Air Maria in so many ways.